This is a new Tasting Talk where Dan and Dave explore Iron Talon from The Distillarium — a bold and inventive whiskey that showcases the distillery’s boundary-pushing approach to flavor. Bottled at 92 proof, Iron Talon delivers a rich and layered profile with notes of toasted oak, dark fruit, baking spice, and a hint of smoke that lingers on the finish.

Dan and Dave dig into the inspiration behind the whiskey, the unique distilling and aging techniques used at The Distillarium, and how Iron Talon fits into their growing lineup of experimental spirits. It’s a lively, flavorful conversation with plenty of insight and a few laughs — a must-listen for anyone curious about what happens when tradition meets innovation in American whiskey.

In this episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Michael Myers, founder and owner of Distillery 291 in Colorado Springs. Known for crafting unapologetically bold whiskeys with a signature finish using aspen wood staves, Distillery 291 is as much about story as it is about spirit—and Michael’s story is unforgettable.

A former fashion photographer whose life took a sharp turn after 9/11, Michael shares the remarkable journey that led him to distilling. He walks Dan and Dave through the creation of 291 from the ground up, including the influence of Colorado’s rugged landscape and the resilience that fueled its success.

During the episode, they taste three of Distillery 291’s powerhouse offerings:

• ​Bad Guy Bourbon – bold, high-proof, and richly layered like an apple fritter.
• ​Single Barrel Bourbon finished with Aspen Wood Staves (132.1 proof) – fiery, wood sugars, expressive, and uniquely 291.
• ​Single Barrel Colorado Whiskey with a rye malt mash finished with Aspen Wood Staves (134.8 proof) – intense, toffee and spice, bright apple, nuanced, and unforgettable.

With gripping personal history, bold whiskey, and insights into the craft of distilling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a great story in every sip.

This episode is brought to you by All the Bitter, makers of premium non-alcoholic bitters inspired by classic cocktail tradition. Whether you're mixing up an Old Fashioned or a zero-proof spritz, All the Bitter brings complexity and balance to every glass.

In this new Tasting Talk, Dan and Dave dive into Woodinville’s highly anticipated Limited Edition 8-Year-Old Straight Rye — a bold new release from one of their favorite distilleries. With deep spice, rich oak, and layers of complexity of cherry, chocolate, almond, and tiramisu. This whiskey sparks a lively conversation about aging, flavor development, and what sets it apart from Woodinville’s core rye. Don’t miss this deep pour into something truly special. Cheers!